Systems Biology of Lipids Metabolism

Results in Brief

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Sphingolipids — understanding structure and

function
Sphingolipids are integral in maintaining our cell membrane structure and regulating
metabolism and other key functions. Lipid deregulation can cause diseases such as
diabetes, obesity, hypertension and Alzheimer's disease.

HEALTH

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The EU-funded 'Systems biology of lipids metabolism' (SBLIME) project was initiated
to characterise and investigate the molecular mechanisms of sphingolipids.
Researchers employed a systems biology approach along with high-resolution
chromatography and mass spectrometry for the analysis of global and lipid
metabolism as well as biosynthesis pathways.

SBLIME scientists successfully developed a yeast kinetic model of sphingolipid

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metabolism using biochemical, metabolomic and lipidomic data. The kinetics of each
reaction and enzyme saturation were accurately described. The model could
successfully reproduce lipid distributions in static and dynamic conditions. Further
studies could reveal interactions between system components.

Several sensitivity analysis techniques were compared for applicability to the

sphingolipid model as well as any model based on the System Biology Markup
Language (SBML). SBML will end up as the new benchmark for describing biological
systems, and project members intended to create a versatile and modular tool for
analysis.

Scientists comprehensively analysed steady-state concentrations and fluxes using

the selected sensitivity analysis tools. Results revealed key parameters involved in
lipid pathway function as well as distribution.

Project outcomes have laid the groundwork for further studies on mechanisms of lipid
metabolism, interactions and function with important implications for medicine.
Techniques developed within this study could also be adapted by other research
groups in the biotechnology sector.

Project Information

SBLIME Funded under

FP7-PEOPLE
Grant agreement ID: 249205
Overall budget
€ 45 000
Closed project

EU contribution
Start date End date
€ 45 000
1 November 2009 31 October 2012

Coordinated by
ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE
FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE

  Switzerland

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Last update: 28 November 2013

Record number: 92211

Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/92211-sphingolipids-understanding-
structure-and-function

© European Union, 2023

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